La Chalana Madrid
I first discovered La Chalana a year ago when I was organizing my civil wedding. I was looking for a nice place to have lunch after the ceremony with our immediate family. I didn’t know Madrid very well yet, much less a relatively nice place to have lunch, so I started asking around. Many people suggested different places, I did some investigating; looking at menus here and there. Then, a work mate suggested La Chalana, an asturias seafood restaurant. When I got home I had a look at there menu and I was extremely impressed! At first it was a bit confusing because they had a regular menu, but also a variety of prix fixe menus. I think they have about four types of prix fixe menus. First is the typical ‘Menu del Día’. Every day is different and is around 14€. Second, they have an option called ‘Days’ or ‘Jornadas’. These last for about two weeks and vary in price range from 48-70€. This menu doesn’t include drinks, but they do give you a discount on their house wines. Third, are the event menus which are for at least 10 people and require a down payment. There’s about eleven different menus ranging in price with wine and dessert included. Fourth, is an at the bar menu for around 12€. Lastly, they have to-go seafood options.
For my post-wedding lunch, we opted for an event menu. We chose Menu 6 Llanes. It came with rock fish cake, ox ham with cheese, soupy rice with prawns and monkfish, hake in green sauce, steak with pepper, assorted desserts, coffee, liquor, and endless wine. Everything was delicious, but there was so much food! we had to ask for doggy bags because by the second course we were already stuffed! The service was also amazing. Usually with these types of menus, I find that the waiters are a bit skimpy with the drinks. But here, not at all! Not once did we have to ask for another bottle. I’d look over and see a nearly empty bottle, and in the blink of an eye it was replaced by a full one. They were also super flexible with where they sat us. When I made the reservation, I didn't know that the restaurant looked like and I failed to mention that my mother in law was in a wheel chair at the time. When we got there, they had set up our table on the lower level which was only accessible by a vary steep staircase. In 5 minutes they had set up a table for us on the main level without any trouble. It was definitely the best choice for a memorable day.
The next time my parents came to Madrid, they insisted on making a stop at La Chalana. This time around, we ordered à la carte. I don’t remember everything we ordered, but it was amazing…again! However, when ordering à la carte, your tab is more likely to skyrocket. But hey, life is meant to be enjoyed and everything in moderation.
The most recent time was just this week. I went with a friend to try out the ‘Jornada’ they had on for the end of July. The menu included gazpacho, fried crayfish, chorizo hash with quail egg, turbot with potato, pork sirloin, blue cheese with quince, and turron ice cream with strawberry tart. All of that delicious for two people for only 50€. Whaaaat? Once again, we had to ask for a doggy bag…
I…love...this…place…seriously…amazing…
It had become one of my go to spots ti take people when they’re visiting, and I always suggest it as a place to go to for lunch. Not dinner because its way too much food!
